House OKs special-election reimbursement

Towns and cities across the state are one step closer to getting repaid for the special elections that sent Scott Brown to the U.S. Senate.

Amanda Fakhreddine

Towns and cities across the state are one step closer to getting repaid for the special elections that sent Scott Brown to the U.S. Senate.

On Wednesday, the House voted to increase a $250 million supplemental budget for fiscal 2010 by $7.2 million so cities and towns can be reimbursed for the primary and final elections.

Quincy City Clerk John Shea was happy with the vote.

“It cost (Quincy) $155,000 for the extra two elections,” he said. “It’s very important for us to get this reimbursement.”

The House vote on the amendment was 156-1.

Rep. Vinny deMacedo, R-Plymouth, said saddling cities and towns with the cost of the elections would be unfair.

“This late in a fiscal year, to absorb that cost would really be crippling to cities and towns,” deMacedo said. “I hope we as a body can live up to the commitment we made to cities and towns. I think it’s the right thing to do.”

However, the amendment would not cover the total cost of the special election – only the cost of running the polls.

“It doesn’t include other costs above and beyond that the city or town incurred … such as paper or renting space for election events to take place,” said Glen Briere, a spokesman from the state auditor’s office.

Municipalities have already seen money come back. Brockton Election Commissioner John McGeary said the state has reimbursed municipalities for three hours of operating costs. It is an unfunded mandate that required polling places to be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., three hours later than the normal poll closing time.

“Brockton spent $159,739.29 on the special election … and has been reimbursed $29,700, for three hours,” McGeary said.

The special elections – December primaries and the final election Jan. 19 – left municipalities rushing to find money to cover the expense.

“The city council was able to find money to put into the budget to cover it,” McGeary said. “There were other things that we wanted to spend the money on. If we get the money back, it would be put to good use.”

Shea said Quincy funded the special elections by dipping into their general fund, which funds the everyday operation of the city.

“We weren’t and aren’t out of money, but it was a federal election. Every city and town had to participate,” Shea said. “We are hoping to get it back. It’s all one pot of money – it’s taxpayers’ money.”

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